I’ve made a lot of escabeche in my time, and read scores of recipes from all over the world. This vinegary, bracing sauce make a perfect summer lunch or dinner and is ideal for weekly lunches because escabeche keeps for days in the fridge. It’s one of my go-to dishes when the heat arrives. But

I’m from New Jersey, and much of what I learned about how to interact with others I learned from my stepfather Frank. Frank’s main rule was, “always have favors you can collect on, and don’t be afraid to do other people favors.” I do something for you, you return the favor — scratching each other’s